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Understanding European Solidarity, Spirit and Identity: Theory

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Education and Solidarity in the European Union

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Abstract

This chapter serves as an introduction to theories of solidarity and its connection to spirit and identity. It points especially to Durkheim’s concepts of individuality and interdependence in the division of labour, and to Hegel who highlights the importance of critical thinking in acknowledging and challenging contradictions and conflicts that stimulates an awakening of consciousness, of spirit. The chapter finally focuses on the work of Habermas, most notably that of public sphere, communicative action and learning processes in providing an open space for individuals to express opinion. In more practical terms, when applying the theory of solidarity to issues and instruments, we learn that solidarity at European level is complex because it is demonstrated to different extents depending on the issue and on the instrument to be adopted. For solidarity to be achievable, it requires the four key components of common values and goals, risk sharing, equality, and trust.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This is similar to Ferdinand Tönnies’s distinction between Germeinschaft and Gesellschaft, in which social order is no longer dependent on the importance of tight-knit communities but rather has transformed into an order based on collections of self-interested individuals.

  2. 2.

    The example in which the sons kill their authoritarian father, giving a model of people who are equally free, pursuing similar goals and acting in solidarity (Steinvorth 2017).

  3. 3.

    YouGov survey, April 2018 in P. Genschel and A. Hemerijck (2018).

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  1. European University Institute, Florence, Italy

    Sarah K. St. John

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  1. Sarah K. St. John
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Correspondence to Sarah K. St. John .

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St. John, S.K. (2021). Understanding European Solidarity, Spirit and Identity: Theory. In: Education and Solidarity in the European Union. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63042-3_7

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